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BRIEF SKETCH 



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PUBL C SERVICES 



MAJOR ISAAC ROACH 



COMPILED AT THE SOLICITATION OF A NUMBER OF CITIZENS OF SOUTHWARK, 






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PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE. 



1838. 



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PUBLIC HEETIl^G 

DISTRICT OF SOUTHWARK. 



Wednesday, February 7th, 183a 

At a meeting of the personal friends of Major Isaac Roach, 
held at the house of Alexander Makenzie, corner of Almond and 
Swanson streets, the meeting was organized by appointing 
Charles Penrose, Esq. Chairman, and George C. Stevenson, 
Secretary. 

Mr. Peter Williamson submitted the following preamble and 
resolutions, seconded by Thomas D. Grover : 

Whereas, It having been ascertained that Major Isaac Roach 
has consented to become a candidate for the office of Sheriff of 
the eity and county of Philadelphia, at the election to be held in 
October -next, and as many of our younger fellow citizens are 
not familiar with the public services of Major Roach, during the 
last war — Therefore, be it 

Resolved, That a committee of ten citizens be appointed ta 
obtain from authentic sources, and report at a subsequent meet- 
ing, such information as they may deem advisable to lay before 
our Fellow Citizens of the city and county, as may tend to secure 
the election of Major Roach. 

Resolved, That Major Roach being a native of Southwark, 
and his whole life known to most of us, we can with full confi- 
dence recommend him to the public as a mail in every respect 
highly qualified to fill the important office of Sheriff. 

The above resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

The following named gentlemen were appointed said commit- 
tee: — Thomas D. Grover, Jesse Williamson, Hugh Cavenaugh, 
Captain George Robinson, Robert Solts, Joseph Myers, Philip 
Peltz, Joseph Ash, Joseph Huddell, and George Esler. 

Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary be added to the 
above committee. 

Resolved, That v»^hen this meeting adjourns, it adjourn to meet 
at the call of the Chairman. 

On motion, adjourned. ^'7^ 

C. PENROSE, Chairman.' 

Geo. C. Stevenson, Secretary. 



ADJOURRJE© MEETII^'G. 



Friday, February 16th, 1838. 

The friends uf Major Roach met at the house of Alexander 
Makenzie, agreeably to adjournment. Charles Penrose, Esq. 
in the chair. 

The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and adopted. 

The committee appointed at the previous meeting of the friends 
of Major Roach, report: that agreeably to their instructions, they 
have obtained a brief statement of his public services, which 
they now submit to the consideration of this meeting. 

The report was unanimously adopted. 

Mr. Grover submitted the following resolution, seconded by 
Peter Williamson: 

Resolved, That the report be published, together with the pro- 
ceedings which gave rise to the appointing of the committee, 
with such other information as the committee may deem advisa- 
ble. 

Resolved, That the committee be authorised to call meetings 
of the friends of Major Roach whenever they may deem it ex- 
pedient. 

On motion, adjourned. 

- C. PENROSE, Chairman. 

Geo. C. Stevenson, Secretary. 



\ 



A BRIEF SKETCH 



O F THE 



5Pl|ri3JS»a(g Sia3SVl£(ia© 



MAJOR ISAAC KOACe 



Isaac Roach was born in the District of Southwark and 
County of Philadelphia, on the 24th February, 1786. His mater- 
nal family was Irish. His paternal grandfather was born in 
Scotland and emigrated to this country as early as 1740. 

His father, who waspi«ag*B?a^a native of Delaware, and a 
seaman by occupation, immediately on the commencement of 
hostilities between the Colonies and Great Britain, entered the 
naval service of his country, and continued in it till the war of 
Independence was over. There is now before us his commis- 
sion as First Lieutenant in the Navy of Pennsylvania, bearing 
the original signature of the illustrious Franklin, then President 
of the Committee of Safety. It is as follows : 

"/w Committee of Safety, 

" To Isaac Roach, gent. 

"We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriot- 
iism. Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, Do by these Presents consti- 
tute and appoint you to be First Lieutenant of the Provincial 



armed Boat called the Franklin, fitted out for the protection of 
the Province of Pennsylvania, and the commerce of the River 
Delaware, against all hostile enterprises, and for the Defence of 
American Liberty : you are therefore to take the said Boat into 
your charge, and carefully and diligently to discharge the duty 
of First Lieutenant, by doing and performing all manner of things 
thereunto belonging ; and we do strictly charge and require all 
officers, soldiers, and mariners, under your command, to be obe- 
dient unto your orders as First Lieutenant, and you are to ob- 
serve and follow such orders and directions from time to time as 
you shall receive from the assembly or Provincial Convention, 
during their sessions, or from this or a future Committee of Safe- 
ty for this Province, or from your superior officer, according to 
the rules and discipline of war, pursuant to the trust reposed in 
you ; this commission to continue in force until revoked by the 
assembly, a Provincial Convention, or this or any succeeding 
Committee of Safety. 

By order of the Committee. 

B. Franklin, 

President." 

Wm. Goult, Sect. ^ mi^ 

Philadelphia, 16th February, 1776. 

Lieut. Roach commanded the armed vessel or gun-boat Con- 
gress, and was actively engaged all the war in the naval defence 
of the Delaware river and bay. He was also an officer in the 
action between the Hyder AU and the British ship General Monk, 
The Brig which Lieut. Roach commanded was captured by 
the enemy. He succeeded however in retaking her, and in the 
attempt was dangerously wounded. He held commissions suc- 
cessively under Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, and, 
with the exception of a few years after the Peace, was in active 
service till his death, in 1817. 

The example of such a parentage was not without its influ- 
ence in the formation of the character and guidance of the con- 
duct of the immediate subject of this sketch. Taught from ear- 



liest infancy to believe that next to what is due to a bountiful 
Providence, the main duty is that of the citizen to the State, the 
child of a revolutionary sire could find no sacrifice so great, no 
privation so severe as to deter him from the full discharge of this, 
his chief obligation. We shall have occasion presently to see 
what was the maturity of these precepts. 

Isaac Roach, the younger, (the subject of this brief memoir,) 
after receiving such an elementary education as the times af- 
forded, and the limited means of his parents enabled them to 
give him, was bound apprentice to a Ship Joiner, in his native 
District of Southwark, at which occupation he continued to work 
till he attained the age of twenty-six. In mechanical pursuits 
he found occupation suited to the active habit of his mind and 
physical constitution, and those who knew him (and there are 
many amongst us) when he labored from sunrise to sunset as a 
tradesman in the ship yard, will testify to his indefatigable 
industry and unwearying energy. 

Before the declaration of war by the United States, in 1812, 
and in that interval of doubt when no one was able to discern 
the issue of peaceful negociation for the redress of injury, or the 
atonement of insult — when our neutral commerce was destroyed, 
and our national flag degraded by European belligerents — when 
our Government was pausing on the question whether it should 
submit, or attempt desperately to redress its wrongs, and when 
no portion of the public mind was quite prepared for the last re- 
sort, except our gallant and chivalric youth: young Roach, im- 
mediately after the attack of the Leopard on the Chesapeake, 
with some of his friends, organised a corps of volunteer artillery, 
and joined the regiment then commanded by Colonel Connelly, 
and afterwards by our venerable fellow citizen. Colonel John 
Goodman, of the Northern Liberties. It was in this company, 
under the command of the present General Prevost, that Roach 
and his gallant and lamented associate, M'Donough, commenced 
their military life. 



Anxious, however, for a participation in more active' duty, 
immediately on the declaration of war, our young volunteer ap* 
plied for a commission in the regular service, and obtained the 
appointment of Second Lieutenant in the second regiment of 
United States Artillery, under the command of Colonel Winfield 
Scott. In July, 1812, he joined the regiment, then forming on 
the east bank of the Schuylkill, and was appointed Adjutant. 

Early in September, 1812, Colonel Scott applied for and ob- 
tained orders to proceed to the Canadian frontier, with the com- 
panies of Captain Towson and Captain J. N. Barker, and on the 
6th October, this little band, to which Lieutenant Roach was at- 
tached, amounting all told to one hundred and sixty men, arrived 
at Buffalo. Never, perhaps, did young soldiers commence a ca- 
reer more darkly shadowed with gloom. Hull's surrender at 
Detroit was fresh in the public mind, and the prospect of our 
military character being redeemed was brightened only by reli- 
ance on the gallantry of the new troops and new officers who 
were then taking the field. 

The first and one of the most brilliant actions that occurred 
on the Niagara frontier took place soon after the arrival of our 
Philadelphia troops at Buffalo. It was of a character to deserve 
more minute commemoration than will be consistent with the 
limits of this brief sketch of personal adventure. Henry Clay, 
in his speech on the new army bill, in 1813, speaking of the ex- 
ploit we are now about'to describe, said that " whether placed to 
maritime or land account for judgment, skill and courage it had 



Fort Erie was at this time in the undisturbed possession of the 
British, and directly under its guns lay at anchor two large ves- 
sels of war, the Detroit and the Caledonia, destined to cruise 
against any naval force that might be raised on the Lake. Lieu- 
tenant Elliott, of the U. S. Navy, then commanding at Buffalo, 



9 

conceived the design of cutting out and capturing these vessel% 
and as soon as the plan was known, young Roach, with the con- 
sent of his commanding officer, volunteered to join the expedi- 
tion. His offer was gladly accepted, and it was determined that 
he should go in one of the attacking boats with Elliott, and be 
accompanied by fifty volunteer artillerymen from his own regi- 
ment. In making this arrangement the chief difficulty was how 
to select the requisite number of volunteers from among so many 
who were willing and anxious to go. When the troops were 
drawn up in line, and the word was given by Colonel Scott for 
those to advance who were willing to accompany Adjutant Roach 
on this expedition, every man rushed forward, and it was only 
after great difficulty, and increasing the number from fifty t© 
sixty, that the selection was finally made. When the Adjutant 
passed along the line, with his Serjeant Major, to choose his menp 
expressions of anxiety to accompany him were heard from the 
lips of all his soldiers. " CanH I go, sir ?"— '« Take me, Mju-- 
tant^^ — ^' Don' t forget JIf' Gee,"— " Fm a Philadelphia boy,^"^ and 
a variety of such expressions crowded on his ear, and while it 
evinced a most gratifying confidence in him who was to com- 
mand, made it no easy matter to make a choice when all desired 
and all deserved to go. Nor was this solicitude confined to the 
men. The officers, one and all, including those of higher rank 
than the young Adjutant, crowded round and expressed their 
anxiety to go, and finally, when after the dispute between the 
gallant Barker and Towson, as to who should go along, was de-- 
termined by lot in favor of the latter, and a difficulty on the score 
of rank was suggested, Towson was only prevented from resign- 
ing his captain's commission and acting as a volunteer citizen, 
by an arrangement that he should have command of the boat 
which was to attack the Caledonia, while Roach should accom- 
pany Elliott against the larger vessel, the Detroit. , 

Every thing being in readiness, the boats manned, arms ready,, 
the oars muffled, at about eight o'clock of the night of the 8th 

of October, the expedition hauled out from the creek below Bull 

2 



10 

faloo The boats were ^pushed silently up against the rapid cur- 
rent of the Niagara to the mouth of Buffalo creek. The plan 
was to row thence up into Lake Erie till they reached the opposite 
shore, above the Fort, and thus advance to the attack from a 
quarter from which none would be expected. Here the expe- 
dition was joined by a detachment of the 5th infantry, under En- 
sign Prestman. The tide on the bar being low, all hands were 
obliged to lighten, and wading up to their shoulders in the lake 
pushed the boats over. Having fairly got into the lake, the boats 
were rowed several miles up along the American shore before a 
crossing was made. The expectation was that the vessels would 
be taken by surprise, but the light which was burning in the ca- 
boose of the Detroit, whilst it enabled the assailants to steer di- 
rectly to their object, showed them they had a vigilant adversary 
to contend with. When within half a mile of the brig, orders 
were given to the men to be silent, and to reserve their fire till 
they should board. The helm was taken by Adjutant Roach, and 
orders given to have the grapplings ready the moment the boat 
was laid alongside. As the boats approached within musket 
range they were hailed from the brig, and no answer being given, 
were received with a heavy but ill-directed fire of musketry. — 
Koach laid the boat directly alongside the brig, head to tide, and 
after grappling her securely, with Lieutenant Elliott, and follow- 
ed by his gallant crew, sprang upon the enemy's quarter-deck. 
A fierce but short personal conflict decided the question in favor 
of the assailants, who soon had complete possession of the brig. 
The attack by Towson and his comrades on the Caledonia, though 
accidentally le'ss propitious in the onset, owing to a mistake in 
steering the boat, was equally successful, and thus the two arm- 
ed British brigs were completely captured. 

Until this time the British garrison did not seem to realise the 
danger of their friends. No sooner, however, was the first move- 
ment made to get under way than a heavy cannonade was open- 
ed on the brigs, which the American victors were wholly unable 
to return with any effect. The first guns fired at the enemy on 



11 

that frontier were those fired by Roach and his comrades from 
the Detroit. It may be mentioned incidentally, that the first shot 
iired from the British lines during the war, owing to its elevation, 
passed over the Detroit, at which it was aimed, and killed a gal- 
ant officer on the American shore, (Major Cuyler, of the New 
York Militia.) The wind becoming lighter, the brig's crew, in- 
stead of being able to get out into the lake and out of gunshot, 
were obliged to sheer over to the opposite shore, all the time 
within the range of the guns from the Fort, and in attempting 
to get into harbor both vessels grounded on the bar. Rather 
than that the enemy should have the satisfaction of destroying 
the prizes, for which they were known to be making active pre- 
parations, orders were given by the commanding general to burn 
one or both in case they could not be set afloat. The Detroit 
was accordingly destroyed. The Caledonia being a lighter ves- 
sel was saved, and was subsequently added to the fleet of the 
gallant Perry. 

The attempt to " cut out " an enemy where the attacking 
party are compelled to climb up the perpendicular sides of ves- 
sels of war, from small boats, and opposed at every step by men 
as desperate as themselves, is a daring enterprise, and Captain 
Marryatt says " it is considered, in the British Navy, the most 
desperate of all services." 

The annals of the war present no more brilliant incident than 
that which has just been described. A mere handful of raw re- 
cruits, not one of whom had ever faced an enemy, or been in 
battle, within three days after their arrival near a scene of ac- 
tion, volunteering and -succeeding in an enterprise of an almost 
desperate character in itself, and against veteran soldiers. Such 
was the character of this first incident in the military life of our 
gallant townsman. It produced a great sensation, and the hap- 
piest effect among the troops then beginning to concentrate on 
the Niagara, and redounded to the honor of all who were en- 
gaged in it, and of no one more than our young soldier. 



12 

This brilliant victory was scarcely achieved^before Lieutenant 
Roach was engaged in active and perilous service as a volunteer 
in another quarter. It being contemplated by the Commanding 
General Van Rennsalear, at Lewiston, to attack the British posts 
at Queenston, Colonel Scott determined to march his corps and 
transport his artillery to that point. The condition of the roads 
being such as to delay, if not entirely prevent, the transportation 
of ordnance from Buffalo, Lieutenant Roach proposed to have 
it carried down the river as far as navigable in boats. The sug- 
gestion was readily adopted, and by his exertions, and under his 
supervision, carried into effect. 

The second regiment of artillery arrived at Lewiston about 
two hours before the troops embarked for the attack on Queens- 
ton Heights. It was the plan of General Van Rennsalear that but 
few of the regular troops should cross, and that the attack should 
be made altogether by the militia. Colonel Scott's regiment was 
therefore ordered to remain on the American shore, and to cover 
with their artillery the crossing of the boats. The attack was 
made with great spirit and success, and a desperate conflict en- 
sued on the heights above the town. The British commander- 
in-chief. General Brock, and his aid, Major Macdonald, were kill- 
ed, and the fortune of war was for a long time with our gallant 
troops. The names of Fenwick and Van Rennsalear will always 
be associated with this brilliant exploit. Within a short time after 
the attack commenced, and while Roach and his commanding 
officer were directing the artillery on the American shore, a mes- 
sage was received from General Van Rennsalear that he had 
occasion for an officer of artillery. Roach immediately volun- 
teered, and dismounting, threw himself into the boat that was 
waiting, and was in a few moments on British soil, and in the 
thickest of the fight, which was by this time raging with renew- 
ed fury, in consequence of the enemy having been reinforced by 
new troops, composed of regulars and Indians, from Fort George 
and the neighborhood. In the midst of the action, Lieutenant 
Roach was severely wounded by a rifle ball, fired from an adjacent 



thicket His uniform and plume made him a conspicuous object 
for the hidden savages. The surgeons being unable to attend 
to the wounded on the field, they were removed to the American 
shore, where due attention was paid to them. The exposure in- 
cident to this affair, and his wound, brought on a severe fever, 
which reduced Lieutenant Roach to the brink of the grave, and 
seriously impaired his constitution. His inability to attend to 
duty, and the suspension of active operations on the lines for the 
season, induced our young soldier to apply for orders for Phila- 
delphia, at that time the head quarters of his regiment, Colonel 
Scott having been taken prisoner at Queenston. This request 
was immediately granted, and on the 26th of December, 1813, 
he returned to his aged parents at Philadelphia; bringing them 
in the honors he had gained a full consolation for his wounds and 
sufferings. 

Almost immediately after his return, Roach was attached to 
the staff of General Izard, and accompanied that officer to New 
York, whither he was despatched to command the defences of 
that city and harbor. Finding this mode of life unsuited to his 
enterprising habits, he set out for Washington, and in person ap- 
plied to the Secretary at War for duty on the Canadian frontier. 
General Armstrong not only acceded to this wish, but tendered 
him a captain's commission in the 23d infantry, which was prompt- 
ly accepted, and in May, 1813, Roach was again with his army 
on the lines. Our troops were then stationed at and in the neigh- 
borhood of Fort Niagara — the enemy across the river at Fort 
George. Soon after, it being determined to attack the enemy's 
position. Captain Roach, though an infantry officer, was selected 
by Colonel Scott to take charge of a small field piece, and join 
the advance which was to make the assault. After several days 
heavy cannonading from the batteries on each side, our troops 
crossed the river, and after a very severe conflict, carried Fort 
George. In the attack, Captain Roach was again severely 
wounded in the right arm, this being the second time within 



14 

twelve months, and each time when in the foremost rank of an 
attacking party. 

On the afternoon of June 23d, an order came to Fort George 
fbr a portion of the troops to join a party which was to march up 
the Niagara, under command of Colonel Borstler. Captain Roach, 
though but partially convalescent, and scarcely able to draw his 
sword, joined the party, which during that night commenced its 
march. The disastrous events of the next day need not be de- 
tailed here. They are matter of history. After advancing to 
some distance beyond Queenston, the American troops were at- 
tacked by a large body of British and Indians. The gallantry 
and untiring resolution of all the subordinate officers displayed 
in a conflict which lasted froncf 9, A. M. to 12, M., with an over- 
whelming force, could not save this devoted corps from the effect 
of the incapacity of the commanding officer, who, after a late 
retreat had been commenced, surrendered to the enemy without 
a word of consultation with his officers. During the whole day, 
Roach's corps had been in action, and had succeeded in repelling 
the enemy at every point from which they had attempted an at- 
tack. The prisoners, after being plundered and otherwise mal- 
treated by the Indian auxiliaries of the enemy, were taken to 
the British head quarters, at Burlington heights, and soon after, 
all except Roach were paroled. He being unwilling to 
pledge his word not again to bear arms against the enemy, 
and thinking that a chance of escape might occur, remained 
a prisoner, and being put on board the fleet, was thence removed 
to Kingston, and finally to Montreal and Quebec — the impregna- 
ble fortress and key of Lower Canada. 

The narrative of Captain Roach's sufferings and escape from 
this celebrated fortress is one of deep and most romantic inte- 
rest, to which the limits of this brief sketch will scarcely enable 
us to do justice. Still it is so rich with characteristic incident, 
that our readers will permit us to dwell on it somewhat in detail. 



15 

There are few fortified places in the world — none on this con- 
tinent — more completely impregnable than Quebec. Situated 
at the intersection of the rivers St. Charles and St. Lawrence, 
tile heights of Cape Diamond, on which the citadel is placed, 
rise in imposing grandeur directly from the edge of the water 
on the east. The passage below the cliffs on all sides is very 
narrow, and on the side of the precipitous hills, and within high 
parapets, is situated the upper town of Quebec. The visiter who, 
when on a tour of pleasure, for the first time views the sombre 
majesty of this scene, can best realise what must have been the 
feelings of Roach and his gallant companions when they saw 
what they thought this spot of hopeless imprisonment. The 
chance of escape seemed inappreciably small ; upwards of four 
thousand troops composed the garrison, and so soon as the brief 
season of summer in these northern latitudes should pass away, 
they had to anticipate the horrors of a Canadian winter, during 
which all the comforts of domestic luxury are requisite to sus- 
tain physical existence. These were the prospects of our Phi- 
ladelphia soldier when he first set foot beneath the parapet of 
the citadel of Cape Diamond, and near the spot consecrated by 
the blood of the heroic Montgomery. 

After enduring certain preliminary indignities which seemed 
to be the certain portions of our American captives, Roach and 
his companions, some of them of higher rank and greater age, 
were admitted to a partial parole, and on giving their word not to 
violate the laws, or attempt an escape, were stationed at Beau- 
port, a small Canadian village, on the left bank of the St. Law- 
rence, about five miles below Quebec. The river St. Charles 
empties into the St. Lawrence, some distance above Beauport. 
The fellow prisoners of Captain Roach at Beauport, were Ge- 
nerals Winchester, Chandler, and Winder, Colonel Lewis, and 
the venerable Major Madison, of Kentucky, Major Vandeventer, 
of the Army, and Lieutenant Sidney Smith, of the U. S. Navy. 
These two last were destined to be his companions in scenes of 
new adventure and enterprise. Besides these there were seve- 



16 

ral other officers, and a considerable body of rank and file, all 
prisoners of war. 

Some time prior to the month of October, 1813, the privileges 
which the prisoners had previously enjoyed had been gradually 
restricted ; some of the officers had been removed to Halifax, 
and in consequence of an offer having been made by General 
Scott to the Governor of Lower Canada, Sir George Prevost, to 
exchange an officer of higher rank for Captain Roach, he was 
more vigilantly watched, and considered as one whom it was 
most desirable to control. On the 23d October, 1813, whilst the 
liiess of paroled prisoners were seated at table, the house was 
surrounded by a body of cavalry, whose comm^anding officer in- 
formed the inmates that he had an order for the close confine- 
ment of twenty-three commissioned and as many non-commis- 
sioned officers, as hostages. Captain Roach was third on the list; 
his friends, Vandeventer and Sidney Smith, were to share his pri- 
son. In his own mind his course was soon determined on, and 
the British Major was informed by Roach that from that moment 
the obligation of the parole was at an end, and that as a prisoner he 
should have a prisoner's privilege of being at liberty to try to es- 
cape. Acting with this design, our young countryman availed 
himself of a few moments private conversation with his venerable 
friend, Major Madison, who was not on the list of hostages, and 
who was therefore to remain at Beauport, to arrange a plan of 
confidential correspondence — so that, by means of apparently ca- 
sual and innocent phrases, secret meaning might be conveyed. 
Some of these cabahstic phrases may here be cited as specimens 
of all, and as matter of curious reminiscence. " Present my re- 
gards to General Winchester," was to mean, " I have determined 
to escape." " My friends. Major Vandeventer and Captain Smith, 
are well," meant " They are to join me in the attempt." " Pre- 
sent my respects to our kind friends at Beauport," meant " Ob- 
tain a guide and boat to cross the St. Lawrence." There were 
many others like these, not necessary to cite in this place. 



N 17 

The prison-house to which the captives were transferred, was 
not within the military defences of Cape Diamond, but was a 
strong stone building, used as the common gaol, on the south 
side of the city, between the St. Johns and St. Louis gate. It 
was built on a rocky declivity, being three stories high on one 
side, and five on the other. The indignity of their situation, as 
well as its hardship, did not serve to render the prisoners more 
disposed to remain where they were. Accordingly, no sooner 
were they immured than they began to plan some mode of es- 
cape. After much consultation and great difference of opinion 
as to the mode, one being in favor of mining out under the walls, 
and another of some different plan, it was finally determined that 
the attempt should be made by the prisoners letting themselves 
down from the roof, next to which their chamber was, to the 
street, by strips of carpet tied together. The plan was that 
Roach was to direct the immediate escape from the fortress, and 
that after they got out, Major Vandeventer should take com- 
mand. If a boat could be secured, and the passage of the river 
(then full of floating ice) made, they were to take what is 
called Craig's Road, through the township settlements, and gain 
the wilderness which lies near the Canada and Maine boundaries. 

The peculiar peril of this enterprise is scarcely conceivable. 
Besides the risk of discovery, and the personal danger in escap- 
ing from such a height, a strong guard was quartered about one 
hundred yards on the left of the house, and five sentinels, with 
loaded muskets, were in and around the prison. The gates of 
the city were closely guarded, and the bridge across the St. 
Charles" river was closed by a gate which was never opened af- 
ter night. The passage of the river, at any time hazardous, was 
peculiarly so at this season of commencing winter ; and even if 
escape were practicable through the Canadian settlements, the 
chance of perishing in the wilderness was very great. Still these 
discouragements, backed as they were by the remonstrances of 
their friends at Beauport, who secretly wrote to implore them 
not to attempt an escape, were insufficient to deter our gallant 
countrymen. A letter, written as agreed upon, was sent, how- 
ever, by Captain Roach to Major Madison, and carried by a Bri- 



18 

tish officer, who little suspected its contents, requesting him to 
secure a boat to cross the river, and a guide to lead the party 
through the settlements. The night of Saturday, November 
27th, was fixed for the attempt. 

Preliminary arrangements were soon made ; each of the three 
had his haversack filled with provisions, a letter was written to 
the Mayor of the city, exonerating the guard and all other Bri- 
tish subjects from any knowledge or participation in the scheme, 
and the carpet which had been used in their room, and which had 
been taken up on pretence of having it cleaned, was ripped and 
tied into knots, to be used for the descent. The iron grating at the 
windows had already been removed by watch-spring saws. As 
soon as the officer had gone his rounds for the night, the conspi- 
rators were at work, and watching the time when the back of 
the sentry was turned, one end of the carpet was lashed to a 
rafter, and the other let down to the street. No sooner was this 
done, than Roach swung himself down, and was immediately fol- 
lowed by his two companions. All reached the ground safely but 
Major Vandeventer, who after sliding down a considerable dis- 
tance, and thinking himself near the ground, relinquished his hold 
of the carpet, and fell. He received a severe bruise and sprain, 
which subsequently added not a httle to the troubles and difficul- 
ties of the party. No sooner had they reached the ground and 
remained long enough hidden behind a corner of the wall to al- 
low the sentinel to pass, whose faculties were no doubt somewhat 
benumbed by the cold, which was in painful contrast with the 
Spanish climate he had been so long enjoying, than they made 
the best of their way through the streets to the St. Johns gate. 
As they approached they walked leisurely by the sentry, who af- 
ter a challenge, supposing them to be people of the town, allow- 
ed them to go by without molestation. After passing the several 
gates, they at last crossed the bridge over the ditch, and then, 
for the first time, did they breathe freely, or dare to flatter them- 
selves with the hope of success. 

The road to Beauport was frozen and rough, and Major Van- 
deventer's lameness retarded the party considerably. No time 
was to be lost, and Captain Roach pushed on in advance to as- 
:aertain how they could best cross the river St. Charles. On ap- 



19 

preaching the bridge he found the gate fastened and the keeper 
apparently asleep. It at once suggested itself that if they could 
pass unobserved, it might tend to defeat the pursuit of which 
they knew they would soon be the objects. On examining the 
gateway it was found that the only mode of escape was by climb- 
ing outside at a considerable distance above the water and at 
great risk. This was at last accomplished, and soon after they 
crossed the river the fugitives heard the drums beating to arms, 
and the bells ringing in Quebec, their escape having been dis- 
covered. A party of cavalry was despatched in the direction of 
Beauport, and on arriving at the St. Charles Bridge, and after 
arousing the gate-keeper, being told that no one had, or could 
have passed, they returned to the city — so effectual was the 
stratagem of the fugitives. 

The history of the rest of this adventure may be briefly told. 
On arriving at Beauport they found their friends prepared, though 
scarcely daring to expect their arrival. A guide had been pro- 
cured, and a boat to cross the St. Lawrence. No time was to 
be lost, as the passage must be made under cover of darkness, 
and in a short time our three daring soldiers were afloat on the 
St. Lawrence, here nearly four miles wide, and filled with floating 
ice. After narrowly escaping several boats filled with armed 
men, who had been despatched in pursuit, they reached the south 
bank of the river; the snow was then fast falling, and not only 
was their guide unwilling to proceed farther, but Major Van- 
deventer's lameness had so much increased, as to compel them 
to remain quiet for a few hours. They accordingly, soldier-hke, 
scooped themselves out a place of repose in the snow, and lying 
close to each other, slept soundly till daylight. They then re- 
sumed their march, and having narrowly escaped different par- 
ties of regulars and militia who were in pursuit, succeeded in 
crossing the Chaudiere, and gaining the road to the settlements. 
Following this route, through a great variety of perils, and at much 
risk, suffering from the excessive cold, and being but inadequately 
protected from the weather, they hoped to reach the wilderness 
that Hes between the British and American settlements, and 
then defy pursuit In the excitement of the escape from their 
prison, they seemed to lose sight of the imminent danger of pe 



20 

rishing from cold and privation in the almost trackless wilderness 
which they were so anxious to reach. Fortune, however, or- 
dained it otherwise. On the fourth day after leaving Quebec, 
they reached the house of a Canadian named Charledeauluce, 
the last habitation north of the wilderness. Here they were ob^ 
liged to remain all night, in consequence of the increasing illness 
of one of the party. Lieutenant Smith, who had been severely 
frost-bitten the first night after crossing the St. Lawrence, and 
the difficulty of obtaining an Indian guide to conduct them far- 
ther. Whilst engaged negociating with their host for such as- 
sistance on the follovving day, the house was surrounded by a 
large body of Canadian militia, sent in pursuit, and our gallant 
adventurers, after all their sufferings and dangers, were obliged 
to surrender, and with the best grace they could assume, submit 
to their hard fate. 

Such was the issue of this most gallant and romantic adven- 
ture, projected by Captain Roach, and executed by the energy 
and resolution of himself and his companions. To escape from 
the walls of an impregnable citadel, and to elude a garrison of 
four thousand of Wellington's veteran troops — to cross a river 
like the St. Lawrence, filled with floating ice, in a leaky and crazy 
canoe — to penetrate for seventy miles, in the dead of a Canadian 
winter, through a country filled with exasperated pursuers — to 
endure all the hardships of such an attempt under such circum- 
stances — required an amount of daring and heroic endurance 
which deserved complete success. It is a tale full of romantic 
interest. 

Their return to Quebec was the signal for new privations and 
i ndignities. The British authorities, incensed at even the partial 
success of this attempt to escape, and stung to madness by the 
reflection that three Americans had eluded all their vigilance, 
and defied all their care, could find no restraint too severe for 
their prisoners. All the Americans were closely immured, and 
even the fpoor comforts they had before enjoyed were now de- 
nied them. The access of all friendly visitors was cut off, and 
their fate seemed destined to be made darker and darker still.* 
Such treatment instead of disheartening our young soldiers seem- 



21 

ed to give a new impulse to exertion and adventure. Anew 
scheme of escape was projected and agreed on by Roach and 
Vandeventer, and some measures taken to carry it into execution, 
when an order came from Sir George Prevost to release the 
three hostages on parole. A higher tribute could not be paid 
to the subject of this narrative and his friends than was involved 
in this expression of superior confidence in the honor of an Ame- 
rican officer, to the bars and bolts of the prison house from which 
they had once released themselves. 

The rest of this dreary winter was passed within the walls of 
Quebec, and it was not until the following December (1814) that 
an exchange of prisoners took place, and Captain Roach and his 
companions returned home. 

Roach immediately joined his old commander, now Major Ge- 
neral Scott, and was preparing again to take the field, with the 
rank of Assistant Adjutant General, when the news of peace ar- 
rived. On both the reductions of the army Captain Roach was re- 
tained, and continued in active duty, commanding at Fort McHen- 
ry. Fort Columbus, and Fort Mifflin, until 1823, when having at- 
tained the rank of Major, he resigned his commission and return- 
ed to private life. 

Since that time, Major Roach has been known amongst us as 
a public spirited and eminently respectable citizen, contributing 
his time and talents freely to the public service, and serving his 
fellow citizens with singular zeal and disinterestedness. His po- 
litical opinions are at once decided and inoffensive. His personal 
demeanour in every respect decorous. His moral character 
without spot or blemish. His patriotism tried in a school that 
admits of no imposture. 

* An incident to this scene of suffering deserves to be commemorated here. During their 
Gonfinement, the American prisoners had received great kindness and attention from some of 
the Catholic clergy of Quebec. On the return of Roach and his friends to their prison, an 
order vsras issued to prevent any one from visiting them. The Reverend Mr. Mignault coming 
one morning to the prison, was told that the Governor had ordered that no one should be ad- 
mitted, "hat !" said this good man, " the minister of God refused to visit the sick and the 
prisoner ! Open that door instantly, and let Sir George Prevost dare to prevent my entrance 
here again !" This order was obeyed. 



22 

These are some of Isaac Roach's claims on the favorable con- 
sideration of his fellow citizens. They have been briefly stated, 
and should be earnestly enforced on a community that never yet 
has turned a deaf ear to public merit and public service. 

He is the child of a revolutionary sire — the son of a parent 
who shed his blood freely in his country's cause in the time which 
tried men's souls. 

He is a native of the County of Philadelphia, and a Mechanic 
by occupation. 

He was among the first who volunteered to meet the enemy 
on thedeclaration of war. 

He was foremost in the first action on the Niagara frontier — 
and shared in the first victory gained there by American arms. 

He was a volunteer in the attack on Queenston Heights, where 
the enemy were again defeated, and was dangerously wounded- 

He was with the advancing party in the attack on Fort George, 
which also resulted in a brilliant triumph, and was again severely 
wounded. 

He was again a volunteer, though not recovered from his 
wound, in the action of Beaver Dams, and defended his post for 
many hours against an overwhelming force of British and Indians. 

He was a prisoner of war for eighteen months within the walls 
of Quebec, exposed to hardships and sufferings that undermined 
his constitution, and impaired his health. 

He was immured as a hostage for fourteen months during tb 
greater part of two Canadian winters. 

He made hisjescape in company with two gallant friends from 
an impregnable fortress, guarded by the flower of the British 
army, and travelled nearly one hundred miles through a hostile 
country, in the dead of winter, before h'e was retaken. 

He was retained in the army after the war, and relinquished 
the service after attaining high rank, and in a time of profound 
peace. 

k He has been, and is, a public spirited citizen, known every 
where for his virtues and his services, and every where respect 
ed and beloved. 



d 



/ 



23 



KU, 



Washington, April 26, 1838. 

Sir— Your letter,, addressed to me at Elizabethtown, N. J., whilst I 
as on the Canada frontier, was only received three days ago, as I came 
irough that place. 

I am most happy to hear that my old friend and companion in arm&, 
lajor Isaac Roach, is to be brought out as a candidate for the Sheriifalty 
f the City and County of Philadelphia, under the favorable auspices of 
he riommittee of which you are the Chairman. 

I Vnow him well, as an excellent soldier, patriot, and man. He was 
iiy adjutant in 1812, and, as a volunteer, first distinguished himself m 
ioarding and capturing one of the two British vessels of war, lying under 
he guns of Fort Erie, in October of that year. 

I have always heard that he was the first, or among the very first, to 
)oard the captured brig, and certainly no one surpassed him in intrepidi- 
y and efficiency. A few days thereafter, he was with me (both of us 
volunteers,) in the battle of Queenston, when he displayed the same 
ligh qualities. Being badly wounded, I ordered him back to the Ame- 
rican shore, just in time to save him from capture. At the opening of 
the next campaign, again, as a volunteer, he was with me as Captain in 
the advance guard, at the battle and capture of Fort George — May 27, 
1813. Throughout the war, and for several years after, he continued to 
serve with honor. His resignation was a loss, and regretted by all wh4 
knew him. I shall be extremely happy to learn that his immediate fellow 
citizens have conferred upon him a distinguished mark of their esteem. 
In haste, I remain, Sir, 

With high respect, 

Your most obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

5 Charles Penrose, Esq. 
Chairman of Committee, &c. Philada. 



«cl 



24 



Philadelphia, February 20, 1838. 
To Charles Penrose, Esq., 

Chairman of Committee, ^c. 

Sir I have received your note of the 19th inst. requesting information 

relative to the services of Major Roach during the late war, with which 
I eheerfully comply. In August, 1812, I joined (on the Schuylkill) a 
battallion of the 2d regiment United States Artillery, comii,ar" .^ l.v 
Col. W. Scott, of which Major Hoach was then Adjutant, and fi 
day I joined the regiment, as Surgeon, until the close of the ca. 
we were daily associates, and I witnessed his zeal and devolu. 
cause in which we were engaged. 

A few days after we reached Buflfalo, our Adjutant Roach was the tirbt 
officer of the army who volunteered and joined Captain Elliott, of the 
U. S. Navy, in capturing the British brigs Detroit and Caledonia, from 
under the guns of Fort Erie. A few days after this daring attack and 
capture of the enemy, Adjutant Roach was shot through his left arm at 
the battle of Queenston, and suffered much, from a severe wound and 
fever that ensued. He was confined under my care for several weeks. 

The next campaign of 1813, our favorite Adjutant was promoted to a 
Captain, and commanded a company of the advance in the attack and 
and capture of Fort George, and was again wounded by a ball through 
the other arm. I attended him until he felt able for another fight, when 
he was taken prisoner, and we were separated. 

After his capture there was a general anxiety to obtain his exchange 
for he was a most zealous and gallant officer, and brave to a fault. In- 
deed, I knew no one more fearless in the discharge of his duty, or more 
generally beloved and respected. 

I am, sir, with much respect, . 

Yours, &c. 

L. L. NEAR, i 

Late Surgeon U. S. Army. 



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